Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in the U.S. economy as it embodies the spirit of American capitalism.

However, as the necessity of capitalism dictates, some of these entrepreneurs must fail in order for others to succeed.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, survival rates of new start-ups have been dwindling since the recession began. The BLS reports, “The period from 1993 to 2006 was marked by an increase in the number of births and deaths [of start up companies], indicating a higher amount of business ‘churn’ — that is, new business establishments entered and old establishments exited the economy in greater numbers. Since the most recent recession began in December 2007, births have experienced the steepest decline in the history of the series.”

But even in this tough economy, UC San Diego Alumni have managed to create and sustain successful businesses. Watch “Start Me Up! Entrepreneurs at Career Boost Camp 2013” to hear from a chief creative officer, a computer and electrical engineer, and other entrepreneurs as they share their tales of successful start ups.

San Diego’s beer business is booming as the city is becoming known as the craft brew capital of the nation.

The beer industry brought San Diego $680.8 million in sales in 2011 and totaled $299.5 million in wages, contracts, and capital expenses. In 2011, there were 52 licensed breweries in San Diego county and since then 33 more licenses have been issued. As the industry grows, many new jobs are created and UC San Diego Extension is offering a way for you to get your foot in the door.

Watch this discussion, titled “Is Beer in your Career?” as some of the leading regional brewers, including Stone Brewing Company CEO and co-founder Greg Koch, Lost Abbey brewer Tomme Arthur, Ballast Point brewer and co-founder Yuseff Cherney, and the founder of White Labs Inc. Pure Yeast and Fermentation, Chris White, discuss the opportunities for those who wish to have a future in the craft brewing scene and the future of the industry itself.

Want more from inside the beer industry? UC San Diego Extension is offering a Brewing Certificate that will teach you everything you need to know to be a professional brewer. Also, catch some candid moments with Greg Koch.